Security Tips & Talk

Even though I have found that I can get a lot of information on current events in the world of computer security via Twitter, I still have a large list of sites I subscribe to via RSS. One such site is Microsoft's Security Tips & Talk.

The latest post is quoted below as an example of the helpful information provided for home computer users.

What is screen scraping?

Screen scraping is the act of taking all the information that a person has posted on their Web site or social networking page and then using the information to break into the user’s account or to commit some other fraud involving identity theft.

Social networking Web sites such as Facebook have grown exponentially in the past few years, and it’s not uncommon for people to post personal pictures and reveal personal information about themselves. People often prefer Facebook to traditional blogs because information is usually only available to people that they choose. However, if cybercriminals gain access to your Web site or social networking page, they can use screen scraping to steal your information and can pose as you. For more information about this type of scam, see Scammers exploit Facebook friendships.

You can use strong passwords and learn techniques to avoid social engineering scams, but the best way to prevent the negative effects of screen scraping is to minimize the amount of information that you post online.

Here are a few tips:

· Do not post anything online that you would not want made public.
· Minimize details that identify you or your whereabouts.
· Keep your account numbers, user names, and passwords secret.

For more information, see the following articles:

· Protect your privacy on the Internet
· Your information on the Internet: what you need to know
· How to reduce the risk of online fraud
· Help protect yourself against phishing scams and identity theft

Yeah. I'm the go to guy for friends and family when they have computer issues. So people give me their passwords, and I cringe when 99% of them give me their password and it's their first child's name in all lowercase. And a picture of that kid is on all their websites, facebook etc with their name under it.

Desslok, I hope you take the opportunity to explain to them the importance of strong passwords.

Thanks, Joan! Security Tips & Talk has been a long-time favorite. I hope you've subscribed now. :)

Same here, Joan. Not even my husband has any of my passwords. Then again, I'm not sure he'd figure out how to start up any of our computers. I also have a different pw for every site. I may need to provide instructions in my will on what to do with my computers if something happens to me.

Corrine said:

Desslok, I hope you take the opportunity to explain to them the importance of strong passwords.

.

Yes I do. For most people that I know won't remember something from the strong password generator. I help them come up with a passphrase that will be easy for them to remember. Then I explain to them to use at least 1 cap and substitute at least 1 letter with a numb3r, and end with a special character. THat way it is easy enough for most people, but still pretty strong. All without telling me what it is.